Need help on a line setup for smallmouth

[jonnyp4three]

I have a 7’ MH/F casting setup and I’m looking for advice on line. I’m planning on fishing paddletail swimbaits, jigs, other bottom baits, and I was wanting to ask what line I should use. I would primarily be fishing for smallmouth bass (sometimes largemouth), and I’ll be fishing in water with little to no cover with a rocky bottom. 

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

I also fish for smallmouth.

My 7' MH/F sticks are rated for 3/8-1 oz baits and 12-20 lb line.

I find 15 lb works for me when fishing with bottom contact baits.  I like FC or Mono depending on the application.  

If your tackle is similar,  this might be the way to go.

Good Luck

A-Jay

[Jig Man]

We don’t have smallmouth like A-Jay has.  We have highland reservoirs.  When I am using bottom contact baits like shaky and jigs I use 12# fluorocarbon line.  For non bottom baits I use braided line with a fluorocarbon leader.

[FryDog62]

Probably 12-15 lb Sniper... I much prefer 12 lb if I can get away with it.   

[WRB]

I use .011D to .013D Mono or FC line no leaders.

Berkley Big Game mono 10 lb is .012D.

Sunline Sniper or Seaguar InvisX 12 lb are .011D.

Your choice,

Tom

 

[LonnieP]

12 lb Fluorocarbon 

[FishTank]

12lb FC. Either Sniper or Invizx. 

[bowhunter63]

12 lb Big Game Mono

 

[Hulkster]

I use 12 pound Sufix Siege on my baitcasting rig for all purpose baits.